Page 35 of King of Pride

Rose hurried after him, almost stumbling as she tried to keep up with his long strides. Once they stepped through the enormous entrance, she looked around in surprise.

She had expected to see servants everywhere—maids moving through the halls, staff rushing around, and people coming and going constantly.

Instead, the entire mansion was silent.

Every surface was spotless, and every detail appeared perfectly arranged. It was obvious that people regularly took care of the enormous house, yet there wasn't a single person in sight.

Maverick continued pulling her toward the living room while Rose followed behind him, her thoughts racing. The tension running through her body was impossible to hide. Her shoulders were stiff, her fingers were cold, and her uneasy expression made it clear that she had no idea what was about to happen.

Maverick noticed it.

His brows drew together as he studied her face.

The longer he looked at the distress written across her face, the more displeased he became. Something about the troubled expression on her face disturbed him more than he cared to admit.

He suddenly stopped and released her hand before turning to face her completely.

Rose stopped as well.

Maverick stepped closer, entering her personal space until she was forced to lift her head and look up at him.

“Is marrying me such a disaster that you can't even get rid of that frown?” he asked, his voice low. “You've had it on your face ever since we left the courthouse.”

Rose's nerves tightened at the sound of his voice. She was surprised that he had noticed her expression so easily.

She quickly forced a laugh. “You're overthinking it. I'm just getting used to being somewhere new.”

Maverick's gaze remained fixed on her.

The longer he looked at her, the darker his expression became. His intensity made her heart pound so hard that she was afraid he might hear it. She tried to hide the fear in her eyes, but there was little chance of getting anything past him.

He stepped closer.

Then he lowered his head until his lips were beside her ear.

“Mrs. Bishop,” he murmured, his voice dangerously calm, “don't let me find out there's another man in your heart.”

Rose swallowed.

Maverick's gaze remained locked on hers.

“Because if there is,” he continued, “I'll break his neck before I deal with you.”

Then he pulled away, utterly composed, as though threatening her was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Rose stared at him for a moment, her mouth falling open before she quickly turned her head away.

“Why do other newlyweds get flowers, kisses, and diamonds, while I got a husband who seems more interested in drinking my blood?” she gritted under her breath.

Her irritation grew with every word. Realizing she was allowing him to intimidate her, she turned back around and glared at him.

“You’re acting like I’m your slave. Why do I have to follow your unreasonable orders?” she demanded.

The words had barely left her mouth when their eyes met.

One look at the dangerous darkness in Maverick’s expression was enough to make her courage falter. Her voice caught in her throat, and the rest of her anger dissolved beneath his stare.

“I don’t have anything with Ivan anymore,” she quickly added, forcing herself to soften her tone. “I’ve already broken up with him. There won’t be anything between us in the future. I promise. You’re overthinking this.”